From 1-5 to 5-1: 49ers have company in making turnaround

In 1998, Chris Chandler led the Falcons to a 14-2 season and the Super Bowl. Atlanta started 1-5 in 1997. -- AP

The 49ers’ transformation from joke to early season juggernaut isn’t unprecedented.

Since 1990, nine other teams have jumped out to a 5-1 or better start after beginning the previous season with a 1-5 or worse record. This year’s Lions are included among that group. Detroit (5-1) and San Francisco (5-1) both began 1-5 in 2010.

Of the eight teams to perform the about-face from 1990-2010, six made the playoffs, three won a playoff game and one, the 1998 Falcons, reached the Super Bowl. If the 49ers reach the playoffs this season, they would become the only team among this group to reach the postseason with a first-year head coach.

In 1999, the New York Jets started 1-5 under Bill Parcells (they finished 8-8). In 2000, under Al Groh, they started 5-1, but finished 9-7 and did not make the playoffs.

Here’s a look at the eight teams to make the turnaround from 1990-2010:

ATLANTA FALCONSStart in 1997: 1-5 (7-9)Starting in 1998: 5-1Finish in 1998: 14-2Playoffs: Beat the 49ers, 20-18, in divisional playoffs; beat the Vikings, 30-27, in NFC Championship Game; lost to the Broncos, 34-19, in the Super Bowl.

NEW YORK JETSStart in 1999: 1-5 (8-8)Start in 2000: 5-1Finish in 2000: 9-7Playoffs: Did not qualify

CHICAGO BEARSStart in 2000: 1-5 (5-11)Start in 2001: 5-1Finish in 2001: 13-3Playoffs: Lost to the Eagles, 33-19, in the divisional playoffs.

MINNESOTA VIKINGSStart in 2002: 1-5 (6-10)Start in 2003: 6-0Finish in 2003: 9-7Playoffs: Did not qualify.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKSStart in 2002: 1-5 (7-9)Start in 2003: 5-1Finish in 2003: 10-6Playoffs: Lost to Packers, 33-27, in overtime in wild-card game.